THE WOLF CEREMONY

I wanted to give something of my past to my
grandson. So I took him into the woods, to a quiet spot.
Seated at my feet he listened as I told him of the powers
that were given to each creature. He moved not a muscle
as I explained how the woods had always provided us
with food, homes, comfort, and religion. He was awed
when I related to him how the wolf became our guardian,
and when I told him that I would sing the sacred wolf song
over him, he was overjoyed.

        In my song I appealed to the wolf to come and
preside over us while I would perform the wolf ceremony
so that the bondage between my grandson and the wolf
would be lifelong.

I sang.
In my voice was the hope that clings to every heartbeat.

I sang.
In my words were the powers I inherited from my forefathers.

I sang.
In my cupped hands lay a spruce seed… the link to creation.

I sang.
In my eyes sparkled love.

I sang.
And the song floated on the sun's rays from tree to tree.

When I had ended,
it was if the whole world listened with us to hear the wolf's reply.
We waited a long time but none came.

        Again I sang, humbly but as invitingly as I could,
until my throat ached and my voice gave out.

        All of a sudden I realized why no wolves had
heard my sacred song.

There were none left.

        My heart filled with tears. I could no longer
give my grandson faith in the past, our past.

        At last I could whisper to him: "It is finished"
        " Can I go home now?" he asked checking
his watch to see if he would still be in time to
catch his favorite program on TV.

        I watched him disappear and wept in silence.
        All is finished!

By Chief Dan George
from his book
"My Spirit Soars"



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